Named in honor of one of Catawba’s longest-serving chairs of the Board of Trustees and most devoted benefactors, the Adrian L. Shuford Jr. Award for Distinguished Service is the College’s most prestigious honor bestowed on an individual. This accolade is a testament to Jordan’s leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence in the realm of financial services.
As the chairman, president, and chief executive officer of First Horizon Corporation, Jordan skillfully steered the company to remarkable heights, managing assets worth over $84 billion. His vision and strategic acumen not only propelled First Horizon to the forefront of the financial industry but also solidified its reputation as a pillar of reliability and trust. Under Jordan’s leadership, First Horizon expanded its reach across the southern United States and has been recognized as one of the most reputable banks in the country.
Jordan’s journey to success is marked by a series of notable achievements, including his influential role as chief financial officer at Regions Financial Corporation and his contributions while at First Union Corporation and KPMG. His expertise and dedication left an indelible mark on each institution.
Beyond his corporate accomplishments, Jordan’s active engagement in the community is equally commendable. His service on the boards of organizations such as AutoZone Inc., Memphis Tomorrow, and Operation HOPE reflects his belief in giving back to society and fostering a better future.
“Great leaders understand that true success is not just about personal achievements, but also about the positive impact we make on others and the world around us,” said Catawba President Nelson. “Bryan Jordan is leaving a mark that brightens the path for all those who follow.”
This event recognizes donors who contribute to Catawba College in amounts of $1,851 or greater during the current fiscal year, anyone who has included Catawba College in their estate plans, and winners of the Adrian L. Shuford Jr Award.
The Adrian L Shuford Jr Award is presented annually to individuals whose actions and generosity to both the College and their communities emulate those of the late Adrian L. Shuford Jr., of Conover, a businessman and long-time serving member of Catawba’s Board of Trustees. The President’s Award for Distinguished Service was first presented in 1983, but in 1984 the award was renamed to honor Shfurd and in recognition of all he had done for the College.
Other Adrian L. Shuford, Jr. Award Recipients
Other recipients and the year in which they received the award include Dr. Theodore P. Leonard, 1983; Enoch A. Goodman, 1984; Clifford A. Peeler, 1985; James F. Hurley, 1986; Ralph W. Ketner, 1987; Elizabeth C. Stanback, 1988; Roy E. Leinbach, Jr., 1989; Frances H. Johnson, 1990; Patricia P. Rendleman, 1991; Mariam Cannon Hayes, 1992; Tom E. Smith, 1993; Claude S. Abernethy, Jr., 1994; Millard F. Wilson, 1995; Fred J. Stanback, Jr., 1996; Paul E. Fisher, 1997; Daniel E. Kirk, 1998; Mary O. Dearborn, 1999; Wilson L. Smith, 2000; Marion M. Richard, 2001; J. Fred and Bonnie Corriher, 2002; William C. Stanback, 2003; Jacqueline C. Leonard, 2004; Charles Taylor, Jr., 2005; Newton O. Fowler and C.A. "Junie" Michael III, 2006; Claude B. Hampton, Jr. and James L. Williamson, 2007; Charles G. Potts, Wade Hampton Shuford, Jr., Dr. Robert E. and Brenda S. Knott, 2008; Robert and Sara Cook, 2009; Raymond and Shirley Ritchie and David E. "Gene" Fuller, 2010; Gordon P. Hurley and Martha Kirkland West, 2011; Joseph B. Oxendine, 2012; and Larry Cloninger and Barry Leonard, 2013; William “Bill” and Shari Graham, 2014; Richard “Dick” Seiwell in 2015; Greg Alcorn, 2016; Darlene Landis Ball, 2017; Daniel T. Bross, 2018; Deborah Messinger, 2022; Dr. Dolan Hubbard ’71, 2023 (it was not awarded in 2019-2021 due to COVID-19).
